Chapter 2: Is a Reason Necessary for Murder

The man remained still, bowing his head to look at her—Feng Zhiwei, standing in the shallow water, her long hair cascading down, revealing a delicate face. Her dark, fine eyebrows were dampened by the water, appearing as dark as feathers, and her pair of eyes was hazy and dreamy, as if veiled by a layer of mist when gazing at others.

Someone shouted sternly: "Where is Yu Hua? Summon her front courtyard attendant; why is there not a single shadow in sight?"

The man's smile deepened at the corners of his lips, and suddenly he reached out to hold her, whispering softly in her ear: "You will eventually tell me yourself..."

"Come to my appointment?" The man turned his head, smiling with deep meaning, "However, my dear, it seems that the one making the appointment is you, not that middle-aged woman."

The figure wrapped in a light fur coat is tall and slender, standing like a jade tree on the rocks by the shore, slightly leaning forward as if gazing at its own reflection in the lake.

Is there a need for a reason to kill

"When Lady Wu unexpectedly slipped and fell into the lake while on her way to meet you," Feng Zhiwei reached out to tuck her wet hair behind her ear, feeling a bit regretful as she touched her own face—Lady Wu's nails seemed to be painted with a rouge that contained the color-enhancing and fragrant properties of 'Wuna Flower.' This powder, when mixed with water, could perfectly wash away the yellowish hue of her skin. For years, she had been showing her yellow face to others, which was her mother's requirement, and she found it convenient as well. Now, however, she had been exposed. For years, she had been showing her yellow face to others, which was her mother's requirement, and she found it convenient as well. Now, however, she had been exposed.

If she surfaces?" The man gazed at that section of the water's surface, "At that time, you, who are responsible for cleaning this garden, how will you respond to the inquiries from the Autumn Manor?

Feng Zhiwei immediately sank down into the water, then raised her head.

She looked into a pair of deep, black, icy eyes

Feng Zhiwei stood still, tilting her head to look at him. Her naturally misty eyes and soft gaze, when directed at him with a hint of a smile, were as gentle as a flower that could be easily crushed with a touch

He is an interesting person

The immortal in the mountains, the noble scholar beneath the trees, the national master of painting, a figure difficult to depict

Qiu Shangqi heard someone whispering behind him, and just as the person was halfway through their words, Qiu Shangqi interrupted, exclaiming, "So you are here..."

Oh? Interrogation? Feng Zhiwei smiled, wading straight towards the shore. The water dripping from her body splashed onto his embroidered black shoes, and the man immediately stepped aside.

Qiu Shangqi was shocked, his eyes widening in disbelief. The indifferent smile on the elegant and cool face of the man opposite him made him gasp. He then recalled the legends about this person in the imperial capital, tales of ruthless and unpredictable temperament hidden behind a facade of charm and elegance. He could not help but quickly mask his surprise and said in a gentle tone: "... it would be better to kill him, I suppose he must have offended you in some way, perhaps by being disrespectful to your concubine? ..."

The tone was directed towards Feng Zhiwei, but the words were only half-spoken before being interrupted by the young man in light clothing, "Lord Qiu, I am just taking a stroll. Is it inconvenient?"

Her eyebrows arched slightly, exquisite as if carved from feathers, and the curve of her lips was enchanting, meticulously crafted by the hands of a deity. However, when those eyes, hidden beneath thick, long eyelashes, subtly shifted, the world was left with nothing but the brilliance of her eyes, akin to the luster of black jade.

She truly appears to be a delicate and harmless woman

Before these eyes, clear and bright like glazed glass, any pretense will only be a source of self-humiliation

I have already seen her. The man in light attire spoke in a relaxed tone. Feng Zhiwei raised an eyebrow and looked up at him. Their gazes met, and the man revealed a playful smile towards her

Feng Zhiwei turned around to see that Lady Wu had already sunk down.

The woman's gaze remained smiling, concealing her true emotions deep within. Only the finger resting against his chest seemed somewhat cool. The man suddenly raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled that even through the thick winter clothing, he could still feel that hint of cold. Was it an illusion? Or was it the old injury that often chilled him to the bone, flaring up once more?

Feng Zhiwei stared at that shadow

Is that so? It is truly an honor for me... Then, m.hetushucom.com, may I ask, young master... what is my surname and given name?

In the residence, the concubine Yuhua, skilled in singing and dancing, was originally meant to be summoned to serve you. Qiu Shangqi smiled a bit awkwardly, saying, "But she suddenly fell ill..."

Feng Zhiwei clasped her hands in front of her chest, gazing into those seemingly affectionate eyes, which were steeped in the enchanting hues of the night, as if they could capture all the charm of the world. She wondered if everyone would be captivated by such a stunning visage, unable to perceive the icy chill that lay deep within those eyes.

The tone is understated, as if mentioning an ant that has been stepped on

It was truly a face that surprised him greatly

That is your concern

The emerald crown, a moon-white robe with dark silver patterns, draped in a snow-white light fur coat, the coat shimmering with a brilliant and unparalleled luster, yet even more radiant is the visage of that person, as if the vibrant beauty of the world has been condensed into the features of one individual, instantly stunning the vast landscape for miles.

He was very close to her, the cool, minty fragrance wafting into his nostrils. It was a chilly yet refreshing scent, subtle yet omnipresent. She frowned, unaccustomed to it, and wanted to struggle, but suddenly heard a cacophony of footsteps approaching from behind him.

Feng Zhiwei was caught off guard and fell into his embrace. Despite struggling, she remained motionless, only then realizing that although this person appeared handsome and exquisite, like a jade figure with a graceful demeanor, his strength was anything but ordinary. She lowered her gaze to the fingers gripping her arm; they were long and well-defined, with skin so delicate it was almost transparent, and the contours were beautiful, unlike those of a martial artist, yet they exuded an irresistible force.

Do you know what I will say

And Yuhua is now submerged in the pond beneath her feet

The long-contained old ailment unexpectedly resurfaces at this moment, and the woman across from him, with her eyes shimmering like mist shrouded in smoke, evokes an indescribable feeling that leaves him inexplicably dazed

"I dare not." Qiu Shangqi immediately bowed, his tone filled with trepidation

Are you afraid

The two individuals exchanged glances, silently responding to each other with their eyes

With a helpless sigh, she turned her head and smiled at him, "It seems that the one who needs to explain to the Qiu residence should be you"

Are you really planning to come up like this? After a long pause, he spoke, his voice warm and mellow, yet upon closer listening, one could still sense a hint of detached coolness.

He was interrupted once again, as the casually dressed young man nonchalantly rolled up his sleeves, his tone as indifferent as the wind that melted the scattered snow on this winter day

It has been seen, at the bottom of the water

Oh, I have killed

Feng Zhiwei listened, but felt that although her uncle's words were filled with anxiety, they lacked sufficient respect, and the tone of this person was somewhat inappropriate; the conversation indeed sounded rather strange.

The early winter wind stirs up snowflakes, drifting from a patch of white plum blossoms and the * picture * book forest, the fragmented snow resembling plum blossoms and the plum blossoms resembling fragmented snow, sweeping across a jade-like ice lake, then shattering into his fluttering garments, transforming this somewhat monotonous and pale winter scenery into a picturesque landscape

Feng Zhiwei felt that his tone did not seem to express concern for her; rather, it carried a hint of examination. But why should she be evaluated by a stranger

Excuse me, please make way. She raised her head, signaling the person to clear the space at their feet

All the myriad thoughts were but a fleeting moment, and in the next instant, he had averted his gaze, half-turning to meet the curious look of Qiu Shangqi.

A life for a life, there can be no complaints

Feng Zhiwei's heart trembled; she recognized this voice—her uncle, Qiu Shangqi, the Commander of the Five Armies and the Flying Shadow Guard, the most prominent military general of the current dynasty.

Her eyes are extraordinarily beautiful, shimmering with captivating colors when they move, and when gazing at someone, they are as tranquil as a clear abyss. In the stark contrast of black and white, a pure, subtle steel blue emerges, resembling a luxurious brocade, layered and drawing closer, magnificent and noble yet heavy and cold, overwhelming the observer

In the flowing water, Feng Zhiwei bent her body, skillfully protecting her chest with both hands. She was neither embarrassed by this posture nor flustered by the discovery of her crime. Instead, she stood calmly in the water, meeting the man's gaze with a smile that concealed a sharp intensity.